For the longest time, it seemed there was Town and Gown's Summerfest, and that was it. Three big musicals -- some with big stars -- and dinner in Boutwell Auditorium beforehand.

Those days are long, long gone. Summer, in fact, is as busy as any other time of the year on area stages.

Take a look at what's going on right now:

 "True West." Birmingham's City Equity Theatre opens its Sam Shepard season with his acclaimed tale of two brothers, one a thief and one a Hollywood screenwriter, who gradually undergo somewhat of a role reversal. Performances are today and then Thursday through next Sunday. Call 252-9241 for more information.

 "Reefer Madness." TNT has just opened its campy musical based on the 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film. Mother and daughter Callie Hunter and Jan D. Hunter star along with Neal Hunter Hyde, who is not related to them. Thursdays through Saturdays through July 19. More info: 328-0868.

 "The Underpants." Birmingham Festival Theatre's production of Steve Martin's play about a wardrobe malfunction involving a fastener on a woman's undergarment. Thursday through Saturday. 933-2383.

 "Rhythm 'N Roots." Just one more performance remains (at 3 p.m. today) for the original musical by Annie Joe Edwards that traces African and African-American music. Rickey Powell is among the stars. 251-1206.

 "Cheaper By the Dozen." South City Theatre brings a stage version of the classic family movie comedy to life. Today and then Thursday through next Sunday. 621-2128.

And that's not it.

Coming up are Red Mountain Theatre Company's (324-2424) "Beauty and the Beast" and the Park Players' (655-9696) "Shadowlands," both of which open July 10, and City Equity's production of Shepard's "The God of Hell," which opens July 17.